Barbecue from Ronnie Killen's pop-up barbecue operation that will be open on weekends until his new Killen's Barbecue opens in Pearland late summer 2013. The pop-up restaurant is on the grounds of his anticipated restaurant on East Broadway in Pearland. The pop-up is open Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. until barbecue runs out. less

Barbecue from Ronnie Killen's pop-up barbecue operation that will be open on weekends until his new Killen's Barbecue opens in Pearland late summer 2013. The pop-up restaurant is on the grounds of his ... more

Virgie's Bar-B-Que was one of Texas Monthly's top 50.
The pork ribs and sausage are served with beans and potato at 5535 North Gessner Road.
PHOTO BY NICK DE LA TORRE/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Virgie's Bar-B-Que was one of Texas Monthly's top 50.
The pork ribs and sausage are served with beans and potato at 5535 North Gessner Road.
PHOTO BY NICK DE LA TORRE/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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The three-meat plate at Corkscrew BBQ, one of Texas Monthly's top 50. 24930 Budde Road
Click through the gallery for more barbecue favorites from Houston.

The three-meat plate at Corkscrew BBQ, one of Texas Monthly's top 50. 24930 Budde Road
Click through the gallery for more barbecue favorites from Houston.

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Baker's Ribs at 2223 S. Voss Road
The menu features a chopped beef sandwich with a side of cole slaw and some peanuts. How about sides? From potato salad to beans the possibilities are endless.
PHOTO BY STEVE CAMPBELL/HOUSTON CHRONICLE less

Baker's Ribs at 2223 S. Voss Road
The menu features a chopped beef sandwich with a side of cole slaw and some peanuts. How about sides? From potato salad to beans the possibilities are endless.
PHOTO BY ... more

Pizzitola's Bar-B-Cue
At 1703 Shepherd Drive, they take their meats - and side dishes - seriously. The barbecue platter includes spareribs, sausage, brisket and deboned chicken ribs, with side dishes of green beans and coleslaw.
PHOTO BY KAREN WARREN/HOUSTON CHRONICLE less

Pizzitola's Bar-B-Cue
At 1703 Shepherd Drive, they take their meats - and side dishes - seriously. The barbecue platter includes spareribs, sausage, brisket and deboned chicken ribs, with side dishes of green ... more

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Beaver's
On the 2300 block of Decatur St. just west of downtown, you'll find barbecue, plus an interesting mix of drinks to go with it.
PHOTO BY JOHNNY HANSON/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Beaver's
On the 2300 block of Decatur St. just west of downtown, you'll find barbecue, plus an interesting mix of drinks to go with it.
PHOTO BY JOHNNY HANSON/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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Blake's BBQ
Don Blake's barbecue at 2916 Jeanetta has a national reputation, and it's all good.
PHOTO BY BILL OLIVE/FOR THE CHRONICLE

Blake's BBQ
Don Blake's barbecue at 2916 Jeanetta has a national reputation, and it's all good.
PHOTO BY BILL OLIVE/FOR THE CHRONICLE

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Central Texas Style Bar-B-Q
Order the Jalapeno Sausage and Brisket at 4110 W. Broadway in Pearland. There is a magical blend of cultures and flavors at Central Texas Style Bar-B-Q.
PHOTO BY BILL OLIVE/FOR THE CHRONICLE less

Central Texas Style Bar-B-Q
Order the Jalapeno Sausage and Brisket at 4110 W. Broadway in Pearland. There is a magical blend of cultures and flavors at Central Texas Style Bar-B-Q.
PHOTO BY BILL OLIVE/FOR ... more

Brothers-In-Law's Bar-B-Que
Must taste the barbecue plate with links and ribs at 503 Freeport St. A barbecue plate is piled with ribs, sliced link sausage, potato salad and beans.
PHOTO BY JOHN EVERETT/HOUSTON CHRONICLE less

Brothers-In-Law's Bar-B-Que
Must taste the barbecue plate with links and ribs at 503 Freeport St. A barbecue plate is piled with ribs, sliced link sausage, potato salad and beans.
PHOTO BY JOHN ... more

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Cattledrive Bar-B-Que
2718 Center St.
PHOTO BY JOHN HANDY

Cattledrive Bar-B-Que
2718 Center St.
PHOTO BY JOHN HANDY

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Harris County Smokehouse
At 13280 FM 1960 Road W., succulent brisket, plump sausage and a beverage are served at a counter with a saddle for a seat - an arrangement that is popular with the kids.
PHOTO BY STEVE CAMPBELL/HOUSTON CHRONICLE less

Harris County Smokehouse
At 13280 FM 1960 Road W., succulent brisket, plump sausage and a beverage are served at a counter with a saddle for a seat - an arrangement that is popular with the kids.
PHOTO BY ... more

Demeris Barbecue
At 2911 S. Shepherd Drive, the fully loaded baked potato is always a good buy. Or just go for prime, juicy grilled meat.
PHOTO BY KENT PHILLIPS/KRT

Demeris Barbecue
At 2911 S. Shepherd Drive, the fully loaded baked potato is always a good buy. Or just go for prime, juicy grilled meat.
PHOTO BY KENT PHILLIPS/KRT

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Burn's BBQ 8307 De Priest St.
Sauce or no sauce? Central Texas BBQ is marinated but served without sauce. Barbecue in East Texas is typically covered in a sweet, thick, tomato-based sauce, while traditional South Texas sauce is less sweet and includes meat drippings with a spicy kick.
PHOTO BY BILL OLIVE/FOR THE CHRONICLE less

Burn's BBQ 8307 De Priest St.
Sauce or no sauce? Central Texas BBQ is marinated but served without sauce. Barbecue in East Texas is typically covered in a sweet, thick, tomato-based sauce, while traditional ... more

Otto's Barbeque at 11222 Fountain Lake Drive is great for sitting outside while you eat.
PHOTO BY NICK DE LA TORRE/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Otto's Barbeque at 11222 Fountain Lake Drive is great for sitting outside while you eat.
PHOTO BY NICK DE LA TORRE/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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Swinging Door at 3714 FM 359
Try the meat combo plate of ribs and chicken with beans and potato salad, bread basket and a relish dish. Swinging Door Combo plates include two meats and two sides.
PHOTO BY KEVIN FUJII/HOUSTON CHRONICLE less

Swinging Door at 3714 FM 359
Try the meat combo plate of ribs and chicken with beans and potato salad, bread basket and a relish dish. Swinging Door Combo plates include two meats and two sides.
PHOTO BY ... more

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Thelma's Barbecue
Beef brisket is a featured dish at 3755 Southmore Blvd.
Wood type is a key ingredient when smoking meat. Some produce a sweeter flavor and others provide a richer, more intense smoke.
PHOTO BY STEVE CAMPBELL/HOUSTON CHRONICLE less

Thelma's Barbecue
Beef brisket is a featured dish at 3755 Southmore Blvd.
Wood type is a key ingredient when smoking meat. Some produce a sweeter flavor and others provide a richer, more intense ... more

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Guy's Meat Market at 3106 Old Spanish Trail
The smoked-meat hamburger served on a luscious puffy bun.
PHOTO BY ALISON COOK/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Guy's Meat Market at 3106 Old Spanish Trail
The smoked-meat hamburger served on a luscious puffy bun.
PHOTO BY ALISON COOK/HOUSTON CHRONICLE